Capital University

Stadium upgrade plan back for review

At a glance

The Bexley Planning Commission will discuss Capital University's revised proposal to add lighting and a new sound system to Bernlohr stadium at a meeting set for 6 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Bexley Public Library Auditorium, 2411 E. Main St.

Residents will soon have an opportunity to hear details and offer feedback about Capital University's revised proposal to add lighting and a new sound system to its Bernlohr stadium.

The Bexley Planning Commission will discuss the proposal at a meeting set for 6 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Bexley Public Library Auditorium, 2411 E. Main St.

In June, Capital University officials announced the school was indefinitely tabling the stadium proposal it had introduced at an April 22 planning commission meeting. The proposal called for adding four 110-foot-tall light poles and six new speakers to the 2,500-seat stadium.

The proposal met with opposition from area residents, who said the stadium upgrade would bring excessive noise, congestion and safety issues to the neighborhoods surrounding the university.

Capital University Athletic Director Steve Bruning said university officials took resident feedback into account when drafting the revised proposal.

"We heard their concerns, supported their observations and addressed outstanding issues in the revised proposal," he said.

The revised proposal states that lights would be turned off during games no later than 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and by 10:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Lights would be turned off by 9:15 p.m. for practices.

The revised proposal also states that Capital would not use the stadium lights during December, May, June or July unless it's for an NCAA-sponsored or community event.

"Sound limits have been set for pre-game music and in-game announcements," he said. "The sound system will not be used during practices."

Bruning said Capital has developed a memorandum of understanding that outlines how the game-management policy would be enforced. He said residents' feedback on the revised proposal will be taken into account.

"Each time that Capital University has met with the planning commission, we have incorporated resident feedback into our plan," Bruning said. "Moreover, the memorandum of understanding is to be reviewed by (the city of) Bexley and Capital every three years, providing an opportunity for ongoing feedback.

For more information about the revised proposal, call the Bexley Building Department at 614-559-4240 or visit the city's website, bexley.org.